Police arrest prime suspect in kidnap of headteacher in kigumo, Kirinyaga
On September 6, 2025, detectives in Murang’a arrested four individuals believed to be part of a syndicate operating in Kangema Subcounty.
They said such measures would help authorities trace suspects more quickly in case of future attacks. Photo/courtesy
By Emmaculate Cheruto
Kirinyaga East, Nov 10 Police detectives in Kirinyaga East have arrested a principal suspect in the abduction of Gatuto Primary School headteacher, Joshua Kerai.
The three unidentified men kidnapped Kerai in Kagumo, Kirinyaga County, on November 4, 2025, and forced him into a maroon Toyota Ractis. According to police reports, the suspects drove the teacher around for several hours before abandoning him at Sahara petrol station in Kutus town.
The teacher was later found by a good Samaritan and rushed to Kerugoya Catholic Hospital for medical attention.
After the incident, police officers from DCI launched an intensive manhunt. Detectives said that the arrested suspect has a history of criminal activity in the region. He is associated with cases of motor vehicle and livestock theft, robbery, and break-ins.
The DCI confirmed the arrest and assured the public of continued efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in the area. Authorities also appealed for residents’ cooperation in reporting any suspicious persons or activities to help in ongoing investigations. They also called on citizens to contact the DCI through the toll-free line 0800 722 203 or via WhatsApp at 0709 570 000, under the campaign “Fichuakwa DCI Usiogope!”
The arrest comes in the wake of previous actions by the DCI targeting organised kidnapping rings. On September 6, 2025, detectives in Murang’a arrested four individuals believed to be part of a syndicate operating in Kangema Subcounty. The operation, carried out in Kiriani, followed intelligence suggesting the suspects were planning another abduction.
The same gang, according to the security agency, had kidnapped a woman and forced her to withdraw KSh 585,000 from her bank account in exchange for her freedom. Investigators said that the arrests were part of the ongoing efforts to disrupt the organised networks targeting residents in the region.
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